Help with GMA sectioning

Hi, Jackie,
This is not an uncommon problem with GMA. A couple of possible
solutions come to mind. First, try scoring the plastic surrounding the
tissue with a razor blade, scalpel blade, etc. This will allow for
expansion of the plastic while, hopefully, leaving the tissue flat.
Second, what temp do you have your waterbath? Turn it up as high as you
can - sometimes this helps. Also, another trick is to try brushing the
surface of the block with 100% ethanol - acts like a surfactant on the
waterbath. Do you need to stain your tissue? If you don't, then you can
place a piece of scotch tape over the surface of the block allowing the
tape to overhang the block slightly. Hold up, slightly, on the leading
edge of tape while sectioning. Attach tape to slide and roll flat. Can
view under microscope immediately. Beautiful sections this way - but stain
will not penetrate. Tape can be removed by Xylenes but section also wants
to float off. That's a few of the obvious solutions. And, as with any
good research, try only one of these at a time.
Good luck,
Linda
PS. I never have liked to section GMA in the hot, humid summer months.
Too hydrophyllic - ends up like "gummy bears". :-)
*********************************
Linda Jenkins, HT
Clemson University
Department of Bioengineering
Clemson, SC
**********************************